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Reds like what they see from H. Rodriguez

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Reds infield prospect Henry Rodriguez has been on a tear through the early games of spring. The switch-hitter was batting .700 (7-for-10) in four games entering Thursday.

Rodriguez, 23, has impressed with his bat as he's worked his way up the system, and his skills as a hitter are Major League-ready. But it remains to be seen if he can land a spot out of camp as an extra infielder on the Reds' crowded roster.

"I liked what I saw last spring. Henry can hit," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "[Minor League manager Ken Griffey Sr.] told me he has a knack for driving in runs, which is one of the most important things you can do. A lot of guys can hit with nobody on base, but few guys can drive in runs. He's calm and he's cool."

In 84 games with Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Louisville last season, Rodriguez batted .284 with five home runs and 35 RBIs. He missed most of May and June to have a torn ligament and tendon repaired in his left thumb.